Newcastle Eagles have beaten off competition from across Europe to secure the signature of ‘explosive’ US guard Mike Okauru.

The 25-year-old burst onto the professional scene with Czech giants USK in 2022 — averaging 18 points and four rebounds for the Prague outfit.

And Okauru arrives on Tyneside bidding to kickstart his hoops career following a brief stint in France with Nantes.


Averaging 18 points and four rebounds in his first season pro in Czechia, the guard brings stacks of European experience to the Eagles’ ENBL campaign. (Photo: USK Praha)

“Mike is an explosive player who we can’t wait to welcome to Super League Basketball,” said Newcastle head coach Marc Steutel.

“He is extremely dynamic and will thrive at the Eagles with his fast-paced and energetic game.

“Mike is able to impact the game in a variety of ways so we’re delighted to have him compete with us this season.”


Okauru comes to the Eagles for Super League Basketball and ENBL action from the French LNB Pro B. (Photos: Nantes Basket Hermine)

Steutel has fashioned a high pressing, transitional brand of basketball at the Vertu Motors Arena during his two years at the helm.

And the Great Britain playcaller believes Okauru’s speed of thought and pace in possession is the perfect fit for the men in black.

The North Carolinian averaged double figures in his final college season at UNC Wilmington Seahawks before he was picked up by Czech side USK Praha.

The 6ft 3in star arrived in Europe via a five-year US college career with the Florida Gators and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

After a frustrating two years with the Gators, Okauru found his feet in a UNCW jersey — averaging double figures for the Seahawks in his junior and senior years.


Okauru played in 69 games for the University of Florida Gators from 2017 to 2019 before transferring to University of North Carolina Wilmington.

The free-scoring shooter played 36 games in his final campaign of NCAA action and USK were quick to offer him a route into the pro leagues.

Okauru lit up the Czech top-flight as the league’s fifth top scorer and arrives on Tyneside with a reputation for eye-catching offence.

“I’m thrilled to join the Eagles and can’t wait to play in front of the passionate fans at the Vertu Motors Arena,” said Okauru.

“Competing in the newly named Super League Basketball is an exciting challenge, and I’m eager to bring my leadership, energy, and dedication to help us achieve great things this season.”

With ENBL fixtures now confirmed and Super League Basketball expected any day now, Steutel is continuing to add depth to a roster determined to challenge on both fronts.

Okauru joins fellow Americans Seneca Knight and Jaelin Llewellyn on Tyneside with additional imports set to follow.

Fans will get the first chance to meet the new-look Eagles team at The Launch on Friday 6 September ahead of an exciting pre-season schedule that follows.